Department for Education

Outdoor Recreation: Coronavirus

Daisy Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent assessment he has made of the feasibility of safely reopening outdoor activity centres during the covid-19 outbreak.

Nick Gibb: The Department’s educational visits advice is in line with guidance from Public Health England, the Cabinet Office and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and will be reviewed again in November 2020. It can be viewed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-schools-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/guidance-for-full-opening-schools.The Department continues to work with representatives of the tour industry, devolved administrations, trade unions and other government departments as it works towards the November review.

Further Education

Gill Furniss: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, when he plans to publish the further education White Paper.

Gillian Keegan: As my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, confirmed to the House on 1 October 2020 in his oral statement, we will publish our further education white paper later this year.

Teachers: Overtime

Colleen Fletcher: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what estimate his Department has made of the number of (a) paid and (b) unpaid overtime hours worked by (i) primary and (ii) secondary school teachers in each year since 2010.

Nick Gibb: The information requested is not held centrally. Teachers are not paid overtime as part of the national framework of terms and conditions.The School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD) sets out the terms and conditions, including working hours, of teachers employed in maintained schools in England. The STPCD requires teachers to be available for work on 195 days each year, of which 190 are teaching days (the other 5 being inset days). Teachers are also required to be available for 1265 hours each year to be allocated reasonably across these days. The 1265 hours make up the directed hours, which are available for headteachers to direct the work of teachers. In addition to the directed time, teachers must also work "such reasonable additional hours as may be necessary to enable the effective discharge of the teacher’s professional duties."Non-maintained schools, including academies and free schools, are responsible for determining the pay and conditions of their staff themselves. Such schools are not obliged to follow the statutory arrangements set out in the STPCD, although they may still choose to do so if they wish.The Department collects robust information about teachers’ working hours through regular surveys, including time spent on teaching and non-teaching activities.

Students: Finance

Mr Richard Holden: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, for how long the age at which students have been able to obtain public funding for their first Level 3 qualification has been capped at 23.

Gillian Keegan: Grant funding for learners aged 24 and over studying a first full level 3 qualification was replaced with support through Advanced Learner Loans and the loans Bursary Fund in 2013/14.My right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister, recently announced a targeted expansion of the level 3 entitlement, through the National Skills Fund. We are now extending the offer eligibility for a first full level 3 so that adults who are above the age of 23 can also benefit from courses that have the best possible returns for individuals, employers, and the nation.

Further Education: Extracurricular Activities

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what plans he has to increase funding for extra-curricular activities in sixth form institutions and colleges.

Gillian Keegan: Since the academic year 2013-14, school sixth forms, colleges, and other 16-19 education providers have been funded for 600 planned hours per year per full-time student. In addition to time spent pursuing qualifications, these provide time for non-qualification activity which will be helpful for young people such as: work experience and work related activity such as preparing CVs and practicing interview skills and techniques; informal certificates such as citizenship awards or Duke of Edinburgh’s Award; university visits arranged by the institution; volunteering activities and community activities; and any activities that offer enrichment to the student such as personal and social development.We have no plans to offer additional funding specifically for extra-curricular activities. However, in 2019 the government announced increased 16-19 funding of £400 million for the financial year 2020-21 – the biggest injection of new money into 16-19 education in a single year since 2010 - with funding increasing faster for 16-19 than in 5-16 schooling. The 16-19 base rate has increased by 4.7% for the academic year 2020-21 to £4,188.Full details of fundable activity can be found in the study programme guidance, available here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/16-to-19-funding-planned-hours-in-study-programmes.We are continuing to look at the needs of 16-19 education as part of the current spending review.

Sixth Form Colleges: Finance

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what plans he has to increase the rate for funding for sixth form educational institutions.

Gillian Keegan: ?The government’s Spending Round in August 2019 identified the need to increase funding for 16 to 19 year olds’ education to ensure that they fulfil their potential and develop the skills the country needs. That is why we invested an extra £400 million in 16 to 19 education in the financial year 2020-21. We have increased the base rate of funding by 4.7%, from £4,000 to £4,188 for the academic year 2020-21. Over and above the base rate rise, this extra spending also includes new resources for high value and high cost courses, and funding to support those on level 3 programmes to continue to study English and maths where needed. This is the biggest injection of new money into 16 to 19 education in a single year since 2010 - with funding increasing faster for 16 to 19 than in 5 to 16 schooling.The government’s commitment to 16 to 19 funding has contributed to the current record high proportion of 16 and 17 year olds who are participating in education or apprenticeships since consistent records began.?We are continuing to look at the needs of 16 to 19 education as part of the current spending review.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Postal Services

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the effect of the installation of automated parcel sorting machines at Royal Mail centres on jobs.

Paul Scully: The installation of automated sorting machines is an operational matter for Royal Mail, a private company.

Bounce Back Loan Scheme

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what estimate he has made of the number of businesses unable to access the bounce back loan scheme due to their bank not participating in that scheme; and what steps he is taking to help businesses access that scheme.

Paul Scully: As of 20th September, 1,260,940 applications have been approved for Bounce Back loans, at a value of £38.02bn.The Bounce Back Loan Scheme is currently being delivered through 28 accredited lenders, including several non-banks and alternative lenders. If a business is unable to access the scheme because their bank is not a participant or is unable to process their application, they may also consider approaching other Scheme accredited providers.Several lenders are allowing applications from new customers. The Government have always made clear to lenders that they should open to new customers as soon as it is operationally possible for them to do so.

Small Business Grants Fund: Newcastle Upon Tyne

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the recall of undistributed covid-19 business support grants provided to Newcastle City Council.

Paul Scully: The Small Business Grants Fund (SBGF), the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grants Fund (RHLGF) and the Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund (LADGF) were part of an unprecedented package of support for businesses in recognition of the disruption caused by Covid-19. My department worked with HM Treasury on the design and delivery of these funds.We have been clear with local authorities throughout that any unspent funds would need to be returned to the Exchequer. The schemes closed on 28th August 2020, with all payments made by 30th Sept. Local authorities have now received guidance on the reconciliation process.

Centrica: Contracts

Dr Alan Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what the total value is of Government contracts delivered by Centrica and its subsidiaries for service provision since 2015.

Kwasi Kwarteng: This information is not held centrally and can only be obtained disproportionally.

Green Homes Grant Scheme

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, which local authorities have been allocated funding through the green homes grant local authority delivery scheme.

Kwasi Kwarteng: I refer the hon Member to the answer I gave on 22 October to Question UIN 105421.

Infrastructure: Finance

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will take steps to set up a new green investment bank to finance clean and resilient infrastructure projects throughout the UK.

Kwasi Kwarteng: Our (2019) Green Finance Strategy sets out how we intend to support progress towards Net Zero by 2050 by combining a focus on mobilising and accelerating flows of private finance into key clean growth sectors, using public funds to leverage private capital, whilst providing good value for taxpayers. Infrastructure is central to our economic strategy, and the Government will publish a National Infrastructure Strategy setting out further details on its long-term ambitions in due course.

Industry: Carbon Capture and Storage

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to ensure that UK industries reduce the release carbon through extraction techniques.

Kwasi Kwarteng: The Government is committed to bringing all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. A key part of this is closing all unabated coal-fired power stations in Great Britain by 2024. The reduction of demand for coal in the UK will mean a reduction in domestic mining activity and therefore of the emissions associated with extraction.The National Policy Statement is clear that planning permission should not be granted for the extraction of coal unless the proposal is environmentally acceptable or the national, local or community benefits outweigh its likely impacts. The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government leads on planning policy for coal mines in England.

Renewable Energy

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to support (a) skills and (b) research and development in (i) low emission oil and gas extraction and (ii) hydrogen production; and what assessment he has made of the potential contribution of those technologies to export industry.

Kwasi Kwarteng: We will support the offshore oil and gas sector with a transformational North Sea Transition Deal, which we have committed to deliver within this Parliament. The focus of this deal will be on ensuring the sector can support the energy transition and anchor the supply chain to the UK. The oil and gas sector has an important part to play in sustaining our energy security of supply, and in the energy transition to support net zero, having many of the essential skills and capabilities in its world class supply chain to support emerging technologies such as carbon capture and storage, hydrogen production, and infrastructure to reduce its production emissions. Developing this capability will help provide significant export opportunities as the world moves towards clean energy.  In 2016, the Oil & Gas Technology Centre was established with £180 million funding, supported by the UK and Scottish Governments. The Centre aims to encourage, accelerate, and deliver innovation and innovative technologies in the North Sea as we transition to net zero. We are committed to exploring the option of hydrogen as a strategic decarbonised energy carrier. In line with this we are currently investing up to £121 million in hydrogen innovation, supporting a range of projects exploring the production and potential of low carbon hydrogen across the value chain. In November 2019, we published the Energy Innovation Needs Assessment for hydrogen and fuel cells. This identified that the future market for all hydrogen technologies could yield around £5.3bn of gross value added and create nearly 50,000 jobs by 2050 to meet demand in export and domestic markets.

Northern Ireland Office

Stormont House Agreement

Louise Haigh: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, with reference to the New Decade, New Approach document published in January 2020, what estimate he has made of the funding required to implement the Stormont House Agreement mechanisms outlined in that document.

Mr Robin Walker: The Government has made substantial financial commitments to help implement legacy reform. We remain committed to introducing legislation to address the legacy of the troubles in a way that focuses on reconciliation, delivers for victims, and ends the cycle of re-investigations that has failed victims and veterans alike.

Terrorism: Northern Ireland

Louise Haigh: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, when he plans to bring forward legislative proposals in relation to Northern Ireland legacy.

Mr Robin Walker: The Government has been clear that it will bring forward legislation to address the legacy of the troubles that focuses on reconciliation, delivers for victims, and ends the cycle of investigations that has failed victims and veterans alike. We are committed to making progress on this as quickly as possible.

Terrorism: Northern Ireland

Louise Haigh: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to the Answer of 4 May 2020 to Question 41538, on Northern Ireland Government, what engagement has taken place with a range of stakeholders on the legacy proposals, including victims’ groups, the Northern Ireland parties and the Irish Government.

Mr Robin Walker: Ministers regularly meet with Northern Ireland party leaders, and with counterparts in the Irish Government to discuss a range of issues, including legacy. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and officials from the Northern Ireland Office last met with the Irish Government’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and his officials on 8 October 2020. Since March, the Secretary of State and officials from the Northern Ireland Office have met various community groups, including victim support groups, religious leaders and groups from across academia and civic society. Despite the challenging circumstances presented by the ongoing Covid-19 situation, engagement continued throughout the summer months and continues to take place where possible. The UK Government remains committed to making progress on legacy issues, and recognises the importance of working with all parts of the community in Northern Ireland as part of this process.

Terrorism: Northern Ireland

Louise Haigh: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will publish the (a) attendees, (b) dates and (c) outcomes of meetings his Department has held with victims' groups in relation to the Government's Northern Ireland legacy proposals.

Mr Robin Walker: Since March, a number of calls and virtual meetings have taken place with victims' groups, as well as the Victims' Commissioner and the Victims and Survivors Forum, at ministerial and official level. Despite the challenging circumstances presented by the ongoing Covid-19 situation, engagement continued throughout the summer months and continues to take place where possible. The UK Government remains committed to making progress on legacy issues, and recognises the importance of working with all parts of the community in Northern Ireland as part of this process. The Government is committed to publishing details of ministers’ meetings with external organisations on a quarterly basis. Publications for the Northern Ireland Office can be found on Gov.uk.

Independent Commission on Information Retrieval

Louise Haigh: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, with reference to the Agreement between the Government of Ireland and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland establishing the Independent Commission on Information Retrieval, how many discussions he had with his Irish counterpart on addressing Northern Ireland legacy issues, on the information retrieval provisions contained in that statement.

Mr Robin Walker: Ministers and officials regularly meet with counterparts in the Irish Government to discuss a range of issues, including legacy. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and officials from the Northern Ireland Office last met with the Irish Government’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and his officials on 8 October 2020.

Department of Health and Social Care

Coronavirus: Disease Control

Dawn Butler: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, on what date he plans to published the unpublished recommendations from the report by Public Health England entitled Covid-19: Review of disparities and risks in outcomes.

Dawn Butler: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when he plans to publish the third party submissions that supported the report entitled, Covid-19: Review of disparities and risks in outcomes.

Jo Churchill: The Government commissioned Public Health England (PHE) to analyse how different factors can impact on people’s health outcomes from COVID-19. The resulting report was published last week.PHE has also been engaging with a significant number of individuals and organisations within black, Asian and minority ethnic communities over the past couple of months to hear their views, concerns and ideas about the impact of COVID-19 on their communities. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Equalities (Kemi Badenoch MP) will be building on and expanding that engagement as she takes work forward to better understand the drivers behind the ethnicity analyses in the PHE report.

Emergency Calls: Coronavirus

Imran Ahmad Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans he has put in place to ensure the safety of staff at emergency call operating centres as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.

Edward Argar: The Government has published clear guidance on working safely during COVID-19, including advice for staff who work in operational contact centres. This includes robust advice and recommendations for employers on infection prevention and control measures, COVID-19 risk assessments and social distancing requirements.

Accident and Emergency Departments: Coronavirus and Influenza

Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 3 July 2020 to Question 64076 on Accident and Emergency Departments: Coronavirus and Influenza, for what reasons the link to the operating framework for urgent and planned services within hospitals can no longer be found.

Edward Argar: The link to the operating framework for urgent and planned services within hospitals contained out of date guidance and was removed as it is being updated.NHS England and NHS Improvement expect to publish their updated guidance shortly.

Urgent Treatment Centres: Coronavirus

Colleen Fletcher: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to encourage people to not delay seeking urgent medical care during the covid-19 outbreak.

Edward Argar: The ‘Help Us, Help You’ campaign was launched on Monday 5 October 2020. The first phase focuses on increasing uptake of the flu vaccine and the second phase, launched on Friday 9 October 2020, encourages the public to speak to their general practitioner if they are worried about a symptom that could be cancer. Further phases will encourage pregnant women to attend regular check-ups and seek advice if they are worried about their baby, and direct people with mental health issues to access National Health Service support. A full range of channels will be used to reach the public throughout the autumn and winter including television, radio, out of home posters, print, digital and social, alongside tailored content delivered through a range of influencers, community ambassadors and partnerships. Local NHS teams will also remind patients to keep their routine appointments.

Diagnosis: Standards

Christina Rees: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment his Department has made of the capacity and effectiveness of diagnostics throughout the NHS.

Edward Argar: Professor Sir Mike Richards was commissioned to undertake a review of diagnostics capacity (NHS Long Term Plan, 3.55). The report, ‘Diagnostics: recovery and renewal’, was discussed at the NHS England and NHS Improvement public Board meeting on 1 October 2020. The report was published with the Board papers and is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/nhs-england-and-nhs-improvement-board-meetings-in-common-agenda-and-papers-1-october-2020/

Abscesses: Health Services

Emma Hardy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to improve care for patients with venous leg ulcer; and if he will make a statement.

Emma Hardy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans his Department has to improve accountability within NHS organisations with regards to care for patients with venous leg ulcers; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Argar: The National Wound Care Strategy Programme (NWCSP) has been commissioned by NHS England and NHS Improvement to improve the prevention and care of pressure ulcers, lower limb ulcers (including venous leg ulcers) and surgical wounds in England.The NWCSP’s mission is to implement a consistently high standard of wound care across England by reducing unnecessary variation, improving safety and optimising patient experience and outcomes.

Cancer: Diagnosis

Liz Twist: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when Professor Sir Mike Richard's report on diagnostic capacity across the NHS is planned to be published; and how that report will assess the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on NHS diagnostic capacity.

Edward Argar: The report, ‘Diagnostics: recovery and renewal’, was discussed at the NHS England and NHS Improvement public Board meeting on 1 October 2020. The report reflects the impact of COVID-19 on diagnostic provision and was published with the Board papers at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/BM2025Pu-item-5-diagnostics-recovery-and-renewal.pdf

Hospices: Coronavirus

Olivia Blake: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will increase the level of support available for hospices to respond to the covid-19 outbreak.

Helen Whately: Hospices have played an important part in the Covid-19 response, supplementing NHS capacity as well as ensuring their valuable work caring for those towards the end of their lives continues.The Department regularly assesses the effect of the Covid-19 outbreak on the hospice sector, and through NHS England and Improvement (NHSE/I) is in discussions with stakeholders in the sector about the challenges they face. A range of steps have been taken to support hospices.On 8 April 2020, the Chancellor announced funding of up to £200 million for hospices over three months as part of the wider £750 million funding package for the voluntary and charitable sector.Alongside this, hospices benefited from the financial support offered by the Treasury to all charities, such as paying no business rates for their shops next year and applying for a Business Interruption Loan. Charities, alongside other sectors, can also access the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, and charity shops (which are already eligible for 80% charitable rate relief) will benefit from the new enhanced retail rate relief at 100%.We continue to keep the impact of Covid-19 on hospices under review.

Influenza: Vaccination

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure that clinically extremely vulnerable people observing strict social distancing can safely receive a seasonal flu vaccination.

Jo Churchill: The flu vaccination programme is a critical part of preparing the United Kingdom for winter. We have been working with NHS England, NHS Improvement and Public Health England on the delivery of the 2020/21 seasonal flu vaccination programme. Operational plans for flu include consideration of the social distancing requirements for vulnerable people, the workforce and providers. Standard operating procedures for healthcare services and guidance on immunisation during COVID-19 have been issued to providers. On 5 August we published the Annual Flu letter 2020/21 update available at the following link:https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/907149/Letter_annualflu_2020_to_2021_update.pdf

Blood Cancer: Coronavirus

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will meet with a representative of the blood cancer community to discuss the effect of covid-19 on patient care and treatment; and what plans he has to ensure that improvements in patient care across the health sector made during the covid-19 outbreak are maintained.

Jo Churchill: NHS England and NHS Improvement want to ensure innovations can be adapted into a sustainable model into the future, to better meets patient needs and provide the best quality of care and ease of access for patients. The new Cancer Recovery Taskforce is overseeing the development of a national cancer recovery plan, which will consider how best to consolidate innovations developed as a result of the pandemic. The Blood Cancer Alliance are represented on the Taskforce.

Diabetes: Coronavirus

Derek Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans his Department has to ensure people with (a) diabetes and (b) at risk of serious consequences from covid-19 are being actively reviewed by suitably qualified healthcare professionals.

Jo Churchill: Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic diabetes care has remained a priority, and general practitioners (GPs) have supported patients with long-term conditions to access care and support.The Primary Care Diabetes Society developed the guidance ‘How to undertake a remote diabetes review’ to support healthcare professionals offering remote diabetes reviews, and NHS England and NHS Improvement and partners supported GPs with the guidance ‘Advice for healthcare professionals on COVID-19 and diabetes’, for the management of diabetes during the pandemic.

Wales Office

Credit Unions: Wales

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, if he will hold discussions with the Welsh Government on encouraging employers in Wales to offer payroll deductions to enable employees to join a credit union; and if he will make a statement.

Simon Hart: Credit unions play a vital role in the financial wellbeing of their communities, providing an ethical home for their members’ savings, and affordable loans to those who may otherwise have to resort to high-cost lenders. The Government is committed to seeing a strong and resilient credit union sector. That is why the Chancellor announced at Budget 2020 that the Government will bring forward legislation to enable credit unions to offer a wider range of products and services. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales and I have frequent discussions with the Welsh Government and other UK Government Departments on a wide range of issues, including how best to support households with the cost of living.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Fossil Fuels: Overseas Aid

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has plans to announce an end to UK Government financial support for fossil fuels overseas using Official Development Assistance through (a) the CDC Group, (b) the Private Infrastructure Development Group and (c) other multilateral institutions.

James Cleverly: The UK was the first major economy in the world to make a legally binding commitment to reach net zero by 2050. As part of that commitment and global leadership on the issue the Prime Minister announced in January that the UK would end direct Official Development Assistance (ODA), investment, export credit and trade promotion support for thermal coal mining and coal power plants overseas. The UK will also continue to lead by example through aligning our ODA with the Paris Agreement temperature goals. This will include our support for CDC, the Private Infrastructure Development Group and other multilateral institutions.

Developing Countries: Schools

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure that children in developing countries return to school safely during the covid-19 pandemic.

Wendy Morton: The UK is committed to supporting children in developing countries to return to school when it is safe to do so. Through the FCDO's wider education programme response to the pandemic, we have worked with partner countries to ensure they have the knowledge and resources to facilitate a safe return. For example, we have adapted our bilateral education programmes in 18 countries to provide child protection, continuity of learning (e.g. through radio and home learning kits) and to help schools prepare to re-open safely.The UK is partnering with Kenya to co-host the 2021 Global Partnership for Education (GPE) financing summit, and as the largest donor, supported establishment of a $500 million accelerated funding window to support countries maintain basic education and put in place key safety measures. As the largest donor to the global fund for education in emergencies Education Cannot Wait, we have supported establishment of a COVID-19 emergency response funding window supporting grants for 33 countries and territories, funding activity including key context-specific safety measures such as hygiene information campaigns and upgraded water and sanitation facilities. We have also provided £5.3 million of new UK funding to UNHCR to enable more than 5500 teachers provide vital education for children in 10 refugee-hosting countries during this critical period.

Ministry of Justice

Buildings: Security

Ms Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of deploying millimetre scanners as part of Enhanced Gate Security measures at High Throughput Establishments in England and Wales in respect of (a) decreasing flows of illicit items and substances into custodial facilities, (b) increasing social distancing during prison visits and (c) increasing comfort for prison visitors; and if he will make a statement.

Lucy Frazer: HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) is taking decisive action to stop mobile phones and illicit substances entering prison and investing £100m to tackle crime behind bars. As part of this investment we are introducing Enhanced Gate Security (EGS) in approximately 50 priority sites. This includes archway metal detectors, wands, X-ray baggage scanners, drug dogs and any additional staff required to conduct searches and manage these new procedures.Millimetre wave scanners operate using non-ionising electromagnetic radiation by omitting signals that enable items to be detected on the surface of the body and within clothing. Their current primary use is part of airport security to screen passengers. Although we remain engaged with the market on the potential of using millimetre wave scanners in prisons, our assessment from trials is that this technology does not currently meet our operational requirements within the custodial setting and therefore adequately support us to crack down on the supply of illicit items when compared to other enhanced gate security measures currently in use.HMPPS recognises that by its very nature, searching of visitors and prisoners can bring staff into close contact. Despite social distancing measures between prisoners and visitors, the risk of conveyance is still present; therefore, searching of visitors remains necessary and HMPPS has developed guidance detailing safeguards for when close contact is necessary, complementing the Government’s social distancing strategy.

Buildings: Security

Ms Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what estimate  he has made of the cost of (a) installing and (b) operating millimetre scanners as part of Enhanced Gate Security measures at High Throughput Establishments in England and Wales.

Lucy Frazer: HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) is taking decisive action to stop mobile phones and illicit substances entering prison and investing £100m to tackle crime behind bars. As part of this investment we are introducing Enhanced Gate Security (EGS) in approximately 50 priority sites. This includes archway metal detectors, wands, X-ray baggage scanners, drug dogs and any additional staff required to conduct searches and manage these new procedures.Millimetre wave scanners operate using non-ionising electromagnetic radiation by omitting signals that enable items to be detected on the surface of the body and within clothing. Their current primary use is to screen passengers as part of airport security.Although we remain engaged with the market on the potential of using millimetre wave scanners in prisons, our assessment from trials is that this technology does not currently meet our operational requirements within the custodial setting and does therefore support our efforts to crack down on the supply of illicit items as well as other enhanced gate security measures currently in use. Due to HMPPS’ assessment of the efficacy of this technology within the prison estate, a competitive procurement exercise has not been conducted and there are no contracted costs available.

Prison Governors

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many district governors there are in the prison system; and what average pay rise those district governors have received in the last three years.

Lucy Frazer: Average increases for governor grades in public sector prisons in each of the last three years were:  Number of AwardsAverage Increase (£)2020/21  Prison Group DirectorsN/AN/AGovernor (Band 11)77£3,437Governor (Band 10)45£3,5232019/20  Prison Group Directors17£800Governor (Band 11)73£3,501Governor (Band 10)38£3,0472018/19  Prison Group Directors7£540Governor (Band 11)66£3,411Governor (Band 10)43£2,900 As senior civil servants salaries for Prison Group Directors (PGDs) are set by the Senior Salaries Review Body (SSRB). Increases for other Governor grades are determined through the independent Prison Service Pay Review Body process. No figures are available for 2020/21 as SCS pay awards have not yet been implemented.Staff numbers based on staff in post as at 31st March who received a pay award that year.Staff who had left prior to pay award being implemented each year are excluded from figures.

Wormwood Scrubs Prison: Coronavirus

Andy Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many cases of covid-19 have been identified in HMP Wormwood Scrubs; how many of those identified are receiving hospital treatment; how many require intensive care or ventilation; and how many are people who are vulnerable or have an underlying medical condition.

Andy Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many inmates of HMP Wormwood Scrubs are confined to their cells as a result of covid-19 infection in the prison; and for what period they will remain confined.

Andy Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what access inmates of HMP Wormwood Scrubs confined to their cells as a result of covid-19 infection in the prison have to (a) washing and toilet facilities and (b) telephone calls to family members.

Lucy Frazer: Closed settings such as prisons pose particular challenges in managing outbreaks, but we have implemented strong measures to mitigate this risk, guided by public health advice, and with the safety of staff and prisoners remaining the absolute priority. Between ‘five and fewer’ required external hospitalisation but it is reported that they were not receiving hospital treatment as a result of covid-19. We do not hold medical records for any individual and therefore cannot disclose underlying medical conditions. Verified data on the number of prisoners that have tested positive for Covid-19 in September and October is due to be published in November, as part of Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) national Covid-19 statistics and workforce statistics on gov.uk:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hm-prison-and-probation-service-covid-19-statistics-monthly As of 23 October a total of 59 prisoners at HMP Wormwood Scrubs were in isolation for a period of 14 days as a result of being symptomatic or similar COVID related conditions. This is in line with the Government contact tracing policies. The establishment continues to isolate prisoners displaying symptoms, as set out in the HMPPS compartmentalisation strategy. Prisoners, including those who are isolating have unlimited access to washing and toilet facilities. They also have access to in-cell telephony so that they can maintain family contact which is vital for their mental wellbeing and rehabilitation. Since the onset of covid-19, all prisoners have been provided with additional telephone credit to encourage contact with their families. Those in isolation have also been given further credit during this period.

Treasury

Beer: Excise Duties

Owen Thompson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what comparative assessment he has made of the effect on breweries that produce 2,100hl of (a) the Government's proposed changes to small brewers' relief and (b) comparable small producers schemes provided by EU member states.

Kemi Badenoch: Further information will be published alongside the technical consultation on Small Brewers Relief later this Autumn.

Attendance Allowance: Mobility

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of to Question 99582, if he will take steps to allow a mobility vehicle purchased by a person in receipt of Attendance Allowance to be registered for taxation purposes as a disabled vehicle; for what reasons such vehicles are registered as private light goods vehicles for taxation purposes; and if he will make a statement.

Kemi Badenoch: The Government is committed to supporting disabled people and is determined that support should be focused on people who need it most. Therefore, individuals in receipt of the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance, War Pensioners Mobility Supplement and the enhanced mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) qualify for an exemption from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). A fifty per cent reduction in VED is available to those in receipt of the PIP standard rate mobility component. There are currently no plans to extend the qualifying criteria for exemption from VED for disabled people to include receipt of Attendance Allowance. As with all taxes, VED remains under review.

Food: Wholesale Trade

Carolyn Harris: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will provide financial support to food and drink wholesalers to ensure continuity of food supply to the public sector.

Carolyn Harris: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will take immediate steps to prevent job losses and site closures in the food and drink wholesale sector which supplies specialist food to care homes.

Kemi Badenoch: The Government has provided unprecedented levels of support for workers and businesses to protect, as much as possible, against the current economic emergency. Food and drink wholesalers have been eligible for a number of these support schemes, with the most relevant likely to include: The Job Support Scheme designed to protect viable jobs in businesses who are facing lower demand over the winter months due to Covid-19;£10,000 cash grants for all business properties in receipt of Small Business Rates Relief and Rural Rates Relief;The Bounce Back Loan Scheme for small businesses to borrow between £2,000 and £50,000, with no interest payments or fees for the first 12 months. Food and drink wholesalers have also benefited from the recent Eat Out to Help Out Scheme which provided over 100 million half price meals during August and helped to protect the livelihoods of the 1.8 million people working in the hospitality sector.

Music: Teachers

Valerie Vaz: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what additional support the Government will provide to self-employed peripatetic music teachers who remain unable to work and whose support from the Self-employment income support scheme will reduce to 20 per cent from 1 November 2020.

Stephen Farry: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of making the proportion of previous earnings in the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme the same as that in the Job Support Scheme.

Jesse Norman: The Government recognises the impact that the changing path of the virus has had on the self-employed, including those in peripatetic professions, and has taken action to increase the level of support available. The support given to the self-employed via the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme Grant Extension (SEISS GE) will now be doubled, increasing the amount of profits covered from 20 per cent to 40 per cent. This means the maximum grant available has increased from £1,875 to £3,750. This will provide a further £3.1 billion of support to the self-employed through November to January alone, with a further grant to follow covering February to April. The Government is now providing broadly the same level of support for the self-employed as is being provided to employees through the Job Support Scheme (Open). For those requiring further assistance, the SEISS continues to be just one element of a comprehensive package of financial support for the self-employed. The Government has temporarily increased the Universal Credit standard allowance for 2020-21 and relaxed the Minimum Income Floor for the duration of the pandemic meaning that where self-employed claimants' earnings have significantly fallen, their Universal Credit award will have increased to reflect their lower earnings. In addition to this, the self-employed also have access to other elements of the package, including Bounce Back loans, tax deferrals, rental support, mortgage holidays, and other business support grants.

Ports: North Cornwall

Scott Mann: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps his Department is taking to process imports that are retained in port so as to avoid demurrage charges being imposed on businesses in North Cornwall constituency.

Jesse Norman: Demurrage charges are applied to the consignee by the shipping line when a container stays in the port for longer than a set period of time. The period of time is determined by the shipping line, which varies between 5 to 7 days. This is a standard procedure at all ports across the UK. A reason why the container might be held at the port is if it has been held to be checked by customs. The charges are applied daily, at a rate of £40 to £60 per day. In order to avoid demurrage charges on businesses in the North Cornwall constituency, the Government is minimising delays and ensuring a smooth running of the border port.

Repossession Orders

Jim Shannon: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent steps his Department has taken to support people at risk of having their homes repossessed.

Steve Barclay: Following the Coronavirus outbreak, the Government worked quickly with lenders and financial regulators to give people access to payment holidays on their mortgages. This gives customers a much-needed respite period, where no repayments on these products are due. The Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) guidance on mortgage payment holidays from 2 June also included a lender ban on repossessions until 31 October 2020, meaning that no-one will lose their home throughout this difficult period. The FCA published further guidance on mortgage payment holidays on 14 September setting out that firms should continue to provide support through tailored forbearance options for those borrowers that are facing ongoing financial difficulties. We have also ensured that regulations concentrate on helping people avoid repossession, including protection in the courts through the Pre-Action Protocol which makes it clear that repossession must always be the last resort for lenders. The Government also has support in place for qualifying borrowers that cannot afford their mortgage interest. Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) provides financial help to homeowners who qualify for an income related benefit. Claimants must be in receipt of Universal Credit for nine assessment periods (nine months), before receiving support through the SMI scheme. The loan is then repayable upon sale of the property. The primary purpose of SMI is to enable people to stay in their homes without fear of repossession.

Unemployment

Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on the adequacy of funding for support for the unemployed.

Steve Barclay: I refer the Honourable Member to the written answer I gave on 16 October 2020 to Question 102900: questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2020-10-13/102900

British Nationals Abroad

Dr Lisa Cameron: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans he has to provide funding for an international mobility scheme equivalent to Erasmus+.

Steve Barclay: Decisions on funding for budgets beyond 2020-21 will be considered at future spending review processes, including Spending Review 2020 which will set out 2021-22 departmental budgets in November.

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Coastal Communities Fund

Peter Aldous: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what plans he has for the future of the Coastal Communities Fund; and whether those plans include providing grant for (a) ports, (b) harbours and (c) other infrastructure to support the UK fishing industry.

Peter Aldous: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what discussions his Department has had with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the infrastructure requirements of the UK fishing industry.

Luke Hall: This Government recognises the unique challenges facing coastal communities and is committed to levelling up all areas of the UK. However, whether there is another round of the Coastal Communities Fund is a matter for the comprehensive Spending Review.

Mining: Health and Recreation Spaces

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will take steps to ensure that miners' welfare and recreational grounds are protected.

Luke Hall: This Government is dedicated to levelling up to ensure that all corners of the UK benefit from growth and prosperity now that we have left the European Union and make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead. We are committed to improving the prospects of communities in former industrial and mining towns and villages across England. All have distinct competitive advantages that will be essential to shaping our economic future.This Government has provided funding to the Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) which seeks to support mining communities in England. Over the last seven years, the Government has provided £22 million in support of their activities, which are designed to assist the CRT in becoming a self-sustaining organisation. The Government also announced in the 2018 autumn budget that we would invest £8 million to support repairs to village halls, Miners’ Welfare facilities and Armed Forces organisations’ facilities.The Government has also provided a package of support for regeneration in areas affected by steelworks closures. In January this year, the Government announced £71 million of new funding towards ambitious local plans to turn the former site of the SSI Steelworks in Redcar into a huge business zone, home to world-leading clean energy, manufacturing and tech companies.The £3.6 billion Towns Fund is also delivering dedicated funding for our towns. Through these Town Deals, an initial 101 towns across England will benefit from investment worth up to £25 million, or more in exceptional cases. Over half of these places are former industrial or mining towns. Funding from the Towns Fund will drive the economic regeneration of towns to deliver long term economic and productivity growth. The former mining town of Stainforth is one of 101 towns selected to benefit from this investment. Stainforth has just received an initial payment of £500,000 which will help improve the town’s parks and green spaces, including new walking and cycling facilities and play areas.Looking to the future, the Government is also committed to creating the UK Shared Prosperity Fund which will bind together the whole of the United Kingdom, tackling inequality and deprivation in each of our four nations. It will replace the overly bureaucratic EU Structural Funds – and not only be better targeted at the UK’s specific needs, but at a minimum match the size of those funds in each nation. It will be driven by domestic priorities with a focus on investing in people. Further details on the design and operation of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund will be announced following the cross-government Spending Review.

Housing: Cooperatives

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what fiscal steps he plans to take to support people wanting to form or live in a housing co-operative; and if he will make a statement.

Christopher Pincher: The Government recognises that the community-led housing sector – of which housing co-operatives are an important part – offers significant potential for helping to meet housing need across England. In addition to helping to increase the rate of delivery of new housing, it will help to deliver a range of benefits including diversifying the housebuilding sector, improving design and construction quality, developing modern methods of construction, and sustaining local communities and local economies. The support and close involvement of the local community enables the community-led approach to secure planning permission and deliver housing that could not be brought forward through speculative development.The principal way in which the Government supported the community-led housebuilding sector in England in recent years was through the Community Housing Fund, making available £163 million in grants over 2018/19 and 2019/20. Budgets for future years will be considered at the Spending Review later this year. Community-led housebuilding organisations that are registered as providers of social housing may seek capital funding from the Shared Ownership and Affordable Homes programme operated outside London by Homes England.

Housing: Cooperatives

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of housing co-operatives; and if he will make a statement.

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what estimate he has made of the number of people living in housing co-operatives; and if he will make a statement.

Christopher Pincher: The Government has not made an assessment on the effectiveness of housing co-operatives and we do not hold information on the number of people living in housing co-operatives.The Government recognises that the community-led housing sector, of which housing co-operatives are an important part, offers significant potential for helping to meet housing need across England. In addition to helping to increase the rate of delivery of new housing, community-led housing will help to deliver a range of benefits including diversifying the housebuilding sector, improving design and construction quality, developing modern methods of construction, and sustaining local communities and local economies. The support and close involvement of the local community enables the community-led approach to secure planning permission and deliver housing that could not be brought forward through speculative development.

Ministry of Defence

Aviation: Training

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what type of training will be provided through Project TELUM.

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of providing virtual training through Project TELUM.

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what priorities his Department has set for Project TELUM.

James Heappey: Project TELUM will provide the end to end solution for RAF Air Cadet and University Student flying experience, whilst simultaneously supporting Defence flying grading and streaming. In addition to the necessary live flying, where feasible the use of synthetics and virtual training to support training requirements will be encouraged from potential bidders.The objective is to inspire a practical interest in aviation, attract undergraduates to military service through provision of military flying training and to de-risk flying training through early introduction and screening as a precursor to the provisions of UKMFTS.

Arms Trade: Saudi Arabia

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 11 September 2020 to Question 86598, whether the 4 April 2019 air-strike on a water transport truck in Al Sawadyah was among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

James Heappey: No, the alleged 4 April 2019 air-strike on a water transport truck in Al-Sawadyah was not among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

Arms Trade: Saudi Arabia

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 11 September 2020 to Question 86598, whether the 24 May 2019 air-strike on a fuel station in Mawiyah was among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

James Heappey: Yes, the alleged 24 May 2019 air-strike on a fuel station in Mawiyah was among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

Arms Trade: Saudi Arabia

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 11 September 2020 to Question 86598, whether the 23 April 2018 air-strike on a fuel station in Abs was among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

James Heappey: Yes, the alleged 23 April 2018 air-strike on a fuel station in Abs was among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

Arms Trade: Saudi Arabia

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 11 September 2020 to Question 86598, whether the 31 January 2018 air-strike on a bridge in Qaflah Odhr was among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

James Heappey: No, the alleged 31 January 2018 air-strike o na bridge in Qaflah Odhr was not among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

Arms Trade: Saudi Arabia

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 11 September 2020 to Question 86598, whether the 15 December 2017 air-strike on a market in Monabbih was among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

James Heappey: No, the alleged 15 December 2017 air-strike on a market in Monabbih was not among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

Arms Trade: Saudi Arabia

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 11 September 2020 to Question 86598, whether the 14 December 2017 air-strike on a bridge in Maqbanah was among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

James Heappey: Yes, the alleged 14 December 2017 air-strike on a bridge in Maqbanah was among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

Arms Trade: Saudi Arabia

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 11 September 2020 to Question 86598, whether the 22 January 2017 air-strike on a house in Al-Mukha was among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

James Heappey: No, the alleged 22 January 2017 air-strike on a house in Al-Mukha was not among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

Arms Trade: Saudi Arabia

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 11 September 2020 to Question 86598, whether the 27 June 2016 air-strike on a fuel market in Hayfan was among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

James Heappey: Yes, the alleged 27 June 2016 air-strike on a fuel market in Hayfan was among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

Arms Trade: Saudi Arabia

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 11 September 2020 to Question 86598, whether the 17 February 2016 air-strike on a house in Nihm was among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

James Heappey: No, the alleged 17 February 2016 air-strike on a house in Nihm was not among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

Arms Trade: Saudi Arabia

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 11 September 2020 to Question 86598, whether the 12 January 2016 air-strike on Hammam Jarif was among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

James Heappey: Yes, the alleged 12 January 2016 air-strike on Hammam Jarif was among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

Arms Trade: Saudi Arabia

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 11 September 2020 to Question 86598, whether the 18 December 2015 air-strike on a house in Al-Safra'a was among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

James Heappey: Yes, the alleged 18 December 2015 air-strike on a house in Al-Safra'a was among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

Arms Trade: Saudi Arabia

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 11 September 2020 to Question 86598, whether the 10 October 2015 air-strike on a bridge in Baqim was among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

James Heappey: No, the alleged 10 October 2015 air-strik on a bridge in Baqim was not among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

Arms Trade: Saudi Arabia

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 11 September 2020 to Question 86598, whether the 18 September 2015 air-strike on a house in Haydan was among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

James Heappey: No, the alleged 18 September 2015 air-strike on a house in Haydan was not among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

Arms Trade: Saudi Arabia

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 11 September 2020 to Question 86598, whether the 8 September 2015 air-strike on stores in Al-Mukha was among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

James Heappey: No, the alleged 8 September 2015 air-strik on stores in Al-Mukha was not among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

Arms Trade: Saudi Arabia

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 11 September 2020 to Question 86598, whether the 6 September 2015 air-strike on a consolation gathering in Khab Wa Al-Sha'af was among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

James Heappey: No, the alleged 6 September 2015 air-strike on a consolation gathering in Khab Wqa Al-Sha'af was not among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

Saudi Arabia: Arms Trade

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 11 September 2020 to Question 86598, whether the 7 July 2015 air-strike on a store in Al-Mansoriyah was among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

James Heappey: No, the alleged 7 July 2015 air-strike on a store in Al-Mansoriyah was not among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

Saudi Arabia: Arms Trade

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 11 September 2020 to Question 86598, whether the 27 May 2015 air-strike on a fuel station in Khadir was among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

James Heappey: Yes, the alleged 27 May 2015 air-strike on a fuel station in Khadir was among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

Saudi Arabia: Arms Trade

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 11 September 2020 to Question 86598, whether the 26 April 2015 air-strike on a house in Al-Makhader was among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

James Heappey: No, the alleged 26 April 2015 air-strike on a house in Al-Makhader was not among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

Saudi Arabia: Arms Trade

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 11 September 2020 to Question 86598, whether the 24 September 2019 air-strike on a residence in Qataba was among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

James Heappey: Yes, the alleged 24 September 2019 air-strike on a residence in Qataba was among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

Saudi Arabia: Arms Trade

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 11 September 2020 to Question 86598, whether the 31 May 2015 air-strike on the Great Dam of Marib was among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

James Heappey: No, the alleged 31 May 2015 air-strike on the Great Dam of Marib was not among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

Saudi Arabia: Arms Trade

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 11 September 2020 to Question 86598, whether the 16 February 2017 air-strike on an informal petrol station near a school in Nihm was among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

James Heappey: No, the alleged 16 February 2017 air-strike on an informal petrol station near a school in Nihm was not among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

Saudi Arabia: Arms Trade

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 11 September 2020 to Question 86598, whether the 12 August 2016 air-strike on a house in Saada was among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

James Heappey: Yes, the alleged 12 August 2016 air-strike on a house in Saada was among the 528 incidents entered on the MOD Tracker as of 30 April 2020.

Aviation: Fuels

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his policy is on the use of leaded aviation fuel within the armed forces.

Jeremy Quin: Policy dictates that the current issue of the fuel specification, Defence Standard (Def Stan) 91-090, for Aviation Gasoline (Avgas) is adhered to. Avgas 100LL is the staple fuel for most piston engine aircraft and contains the additive tetra-ethyl lead (TEL). TEL is used to boost and maintain the octane level and prevent destructive detonation within engines. High-compression and turbocharged engines are particularly affected by such issues. The Ministry of Defence is driving to reduce environmental contaminants such as TEL where possible and, as soon as alternatives are proven to be fit for purpose and safe in use, it is our policy to seek clearances from the airframe and engine Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for their inclusion in the procurement process.

Aviation: Training

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the circumstances of previous fatal accidents involving Air Cadets; and what steps he is taking to ensure contracts held by his Department deliver the highest practicable level of safety.

James Heappey: The RAF has introduced a number of safety enhancements on its aircraft, including the addition of electronic Collision Warning Systems on the Tutor aircraft. Military Aviation, including cadet flying, is now governed by a Duty Holder system in which senior responsible officers are held accountable to ensure that all safety risks are managed to as low as reasonably practicable. Contractors are required to comply with the safety standards in place and the Tutor fleet has operated safely under the Light Aircraft Flying Training 2 contract.

Aviation: Training

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the average qualification failure rate was for (a) Army and (b) Navy pilots that have successfully streamed in the most recent period for which figures are available.

James Heappey: For the current financial year fewer than ten Royal Navy and Army pilots failed flying training, following grading/streaming.

Aviation: Training

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many (a) Army and (b) Royal Navy pilots are planned to be streamed through project TELUM per year.

James Heappey: The Royal Navy will assess approximately 48 candidates per year and the Army will assess approximately 90 candidates per year.

Aviation: Training

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when the contract for Light Aircraft Flying Training 2 is due to be renewed.

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what time period is covered by the contract between his Department and Babcock for light aircraft flying training.

Jeremy Quin: The Light Aircraft Flying Training 2 contract was awarded to VT Aerospace Ltd in 2009. The contract was transferred to Babcock International following their takeover of VT Aerospace Ltd in 2010; it has been extended under its terms and is due to run until 2022.

Department for Work and Pensions

Unemployment: Coronavirus

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the effect on levels of unemployment in (a) the Shipley constituency, (b) the Bradford district and (c) West Yorkshire of being in Tier (i) 1, (ii) 2 and (iii) 3 of covid-19 restrictions.

Mims Davies: The latest data on the level of unemployment available for Shipley, Bradford and West Yorkshire is for the period July 2019-June 2020. This is before the introduction of the tiered system of local COVID Alert Levels in England The department is increasing unemployment support for people in all areas of the country, including Shipley, Bradford and West Yorkshire, through the Plan for Jobs package. Kickstart and Job Entry Targeted Support (JETS) were recently launched with the Job Finding Support Service to follow. In addition, 13,500 extra Jobcentre Work Coaches are being recruited nationally to support claimants to re-enter employment.

Pensions: Advisory Services

Christian Wakeford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when the impartial pensions guidance rules covered by Clauses 18 and 19 of the Financial Guidance and Claims Act 2018 are planned to be introduced.

Guy Opperman: We will be publishing a statement of policy intent shortly which will set out how we plan to implement the stronger nudge (Section 19 of the Financial Guidance and Claims Act) for occupational pensions. Following this, we will consult on draft Regulations which will come into force at the earliest opportunity. We are working closely with the FCA who will consult on rules for personal and stakeholder pensions, which will also come into force at the earliest opportunity

Pension Wise

Christian Wakeford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to clauses 18 and 19 of the Financial Guidance and Claims Act 2018, what take-up targets are being set for Pension Wise guidance usage when non-advised savers access defined contribution pension benefits, in the context of the findings of the Money and Pension Service’s stronger nudge trials.

Guy Opperman: We want to increase awareness of Pension Wise guidance, present taking guidance as a natural part of the customer journey, and make it easier to book an appointment. Based on the results of the stronger nudge trials, we would expect that implementation of the nudge would lead to an increase in the take up of Pension Wise guidance. We do not intend to set a target for the number of Pension Wise guidance sessions, or the number of members accessing pension savings in a given period who receive Pension Wise guidance. We will continue to monitor the use of advice and guidance when accessing pension savings, and take further action to encourage their use if appropriate. This is part of a number of measures aimed at increasing awareness of Pension Wise, which includes advertising campaigns and engagement with employers both nationally and locally.

Department for Work and Pensions and Jobcentre Plus: Bosworth

Dr Luke Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to help ensure adequate staff resources in (a) her Department's and (b) Jobcentre Plus's teams covering Bosworth constituency.

Mims Davies: The department is continually impacting and assessing the service being offered to customers and we continue to keep staff numbers under review as part of our response to the impact of Covid-19 on the labour market. Work Coach recruitment campaigns have been launched across the country, including Bosworth constituency, as the department doubles the number of Work Coaches from 13,500 to 27,000.

State Retirement Pensions: Females

Simon Fell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent assessment she has made of the potential merits of allowing women born in the 1950s to be able to access their state pensions early.

Guy Opperman: The Secretary of State has made no such assessment. Unlike a personal or workplace pension, it has always been the case that nobody can claim their State Pension before they reach their State Pension age. We have no plans to reverse changes to State Pension age. Changes to State Pension age were made over a series of Acts by successive governments from 1995 onwards, following public consultations and extensive debates in both Houses of Parliament.

Unemployment: Coronavirus

Andrea Jenkyns: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to tackle unemployment in Morley and Outwood constituency as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.

Mims Davies: The department is increasing unemployment support for people in all areas of the country, including Morley and Outwood, through the Plan for Jobs package. Kickstart and Job Entry Targeted Support (JETS) were recently launched with the Job Finding Support Service to follow. In addition, 13,500 extra Jobcentre Work Coaches are being recruited to support claimants to find or re-enter employment.

Universal Credit: Wakefield

Imran Ahmad Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many universal credit claims from Wakefield constituency have been rejected in the (a) 2019-20 financial year and (b) 2020-21 financial year to date.

Will Quince: There are a number of reasons a Universal Credit (UC) claim may be unsuccessful. These can include ineligibility, nil entitlement, insufficient evidence, claim withdrawal and non-compliance with the UC process. In the 2019-20 financial year, in the Wakefield constituency, 1,380 UC claims were unsuccessful before reaching payment. In the 2020-21 financial year (up to 31st August 2020), 500 UC claims, in the Wakefield constituency, were unsuccessful before reaching payment. Notes:Figures are rounded to the nearest 10 cases.

Kickstart Scheme

Jonathan Gullis: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether there is an upper limit on the number of placements that can be created through the Kickstart Scheme; and if she will publish data on the number of employers signed up to that scheme.

Mims Davies: The Kickstart Scheme is a £2 Billion programme, planning to create hundreds of thousands of new jobs for young people aged 16-24 at risk of long term unemployment, there is no upper limit on the number of placements. I confirm that the house will be updated on statistics from the Kickstart scheme.

Home Office

Fire and Rescue Services: Recruitment

Mike Amesbury: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans she has to increase the number of fire fighters.

James Brokenshire: The Home Office has no role in making decisions on the number of firefighters employed by fire services.It is the responsibility of each fire and rescue service and authority to ensure that they have they have the appropriate number of firefighters to deliver their core functions across prevention, protection and response.

Cabinet Office

Borders: Artificial Intelligence

Sir Mark Hendrick: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he is taking to implement AI infrastructure at EU-UK borders.

Penny Mordaunt: The Cabinet Office published on 22 July a consultation document on the 2025 Border Strategy. This set out the Government’s intention to create a highly digitised and automated border. As part of this approach, we will explore the potential to use artificial intelligence at the border. We will respond to the consultation in due course.

Department for International Trade

Trade Agreements: Regulation

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, when she plans to publish proposals for changes to primary and secondary domestic legislation required to implement trade agreement agreed by the UK.

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, whether it is her Department's policy to bring forward implementing legislation for trade agreements that are not roll-over deals.

Mr Ranil Jayawardena: Parliament already has a statutory role in the scrutiny of treaties under the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act. This allows Parliament to approve or resolve against any treaty. HM Government will always negotiate Free Trade Agreements that will best serve the interests of British businesses, consumers and communities. We will bring forward legislation to implement future such agreements, where existing powers do not exist on the statute book. Parliament is able approve or reject legislation. The work of HM Government remains subject to scrutiny from Parliament. The Department for International Trade will continue to make sure that future Free Trade Agreements are negotiated and implemented subject to such scrutiny, whilst protecting the national interest.

Antidumping Duties: Northern Ireland

Paul Girvan: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, whether the termination of anti-dumping duty will apply to companies in Northern Ireland at the end of the UK's transition period with the EU.

Mr Ranil Jayawardena: Northern Ireland is – and will remain – part of the United Kingdom’s customs territory and trade remedies measures will apply on a nationwide basis. At the end of the transition period, those existing EU trade remedy measures that my Department assessed as being without significant producer interest in the United Kingdom will be terminated. This will reduce the costs for British users of these products, and lead to lower prices for British consumers across the country. This highlights one of the benefits of the United Kingdom being able to operate her own independent trade policy, tailored to the specific needs of our nation.

Trade and Agriculture Commission

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, with reference to the summary of the Trade and Agriculture Commission meeting held on 2 October 2020, if she will publish the series of questions around which her Department's stakeholder forum events have been structured since 5 October 2020.

Greg Hands: The Trade and Agriculture Commission is an independent advisory board. Whilst the Department for International Trade provides logistical and technical support to these events through its Secretariat, these events are run by the Commission, and are led by its Chair, Tim Smith.

Trade and Agriculture Commission

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, with reference to the summary of the Trade and Agriculture Commission meeting held on 2 October 2020, if she will publish a list of the (a) stakeholder forum events her Department has held since 5 October 2020 and (b) attendees at each of those events.

Greg Hands: The Trade and Agriculture Commission is an independent advisory board. Whilst the Department for International Trade provides logistical and technical support to these events through its Secretariat, these events are run by the Commission, and are led by its Chair, Tim Smith. On behalf of the Commission I can inform that since 5 October 2020 it has held 7 stakeholder forum events with industry experts, farmers, agri-food business, local food producers and MPs. These events include:  2 roundtables with industry experts on the themes of animal welfare and the environment5 evidence gathering sessions with English regions and Devolved Administrations: South West of England, East of England, London & the South East, Northern Ireland and Wales These events are part of a programme of stakeholder engagement activities the Commission is carrying out to help inform its work.

Trade Agreements: Japan

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, how many members of staff, at what grades, will accompany her to Tokyo to sign the UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement; what the total cost to the public purse is of that visit for all UK attendees; and what the costs are of the (a) flights, (b) accommodation, (c) internal travel and (d) subsistence expenses of that visit.

Greg Hands: The information requested relating to my Rt Hon. Friend the Secretary of State’s trip to Tokyo will be published in line with the usual Transparency requirements, and will be available on gov.uk upon publication.

Trade Agreements: Japan

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what changes to domestic legislation she plans to propose to implement the UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

Greg Hands: The UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was signed on 23 October. On 23 October, the full treaty text and supporting documents were made available to Parliamentarians before they were published on GOV.UK. The Explanatory Memorandum details how the CEPA will be implemented in the UK, including any changes to domestic UK law.

Trade Agreements

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, which of the continuity trade agreements negotiated by her Department since 2016 have been physically signed in person by (a) the Secretary of State for International Trade, (b) Ministers from her Department, (c) Ministers from other Departments, (d) civil servants from her Department and (e) civil servants from other Departments.

Mr Ranil Jayawardena: In under two years, HM Government has agreed trade agreements with 51 countries. The Rt Hon. Lady will know that a number of continuity trade agreements cover more than one country, however the number of continuity trade agreements physically signed by Ministers and civil servants referenced are below: My Rt Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Trade: SevenMinisters from the Department for International Trade: FiveMinisters from other departments: ThreeCivil Servants from the Department for International Trade: OneCivil Servants from other departments: Six

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Greyhound Racing: Animal Welfare

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, when (a) he and (b) members of his Department last met with representatives of the betting and gaming industries to discuss improving greyhound welfare.

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of British Greyhound Racing Fund’s levy being made mandatory in the context of the statutory levy imposed on Bookmakers by the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1963.

Nigel Huddleston: In January 2019 the Government announced that it had secured a new funding commitment from five of the largest online bookmakers to help ensure the welfare of greyhounds is protected and improved. This was in addition to the existing voluntary payments made to the British Greyhound Racing Fund from most betting operators that benefit from greyhound racing, which sit alongside commercial deals between the betting and racing industries. In 2019/20 the BGRF collected a total of £8.87m, up from £6.95m in the previous 12 months. Government has no plans to introduce a mandatory levy and will continue to encourage any remaining bookmakers that have not signed up to the voluntary arrangements to follow suit. The Department has discussions with the betting and greyhound racing industries on a range of issues and expects both to make sure that greyhound welfare is safeguarded and remains at the heart of the sport.

Printing: Coronavirus

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on the print industry; and what support he is providing to that sector.

Caroline Dinenage: We appreciate that the Covid-19 pandemic presents a significant challenge to many of DCMS’ sectors including the publishing industries. Through regular ministerial-led roundtables, working groups and contact with DCMS officials, we will continue to work with the publishing sector to assess and understand the difficulties it faces in these challenging times and through recovery. The Government has provided unprecedented support for business and workers to protect them against the current economic emergency. The Government’s response has been one of the most generous and comprehensive in the world, including the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme and the Bounceback Loan Scheme and business rates reliefs. The publishing sector has also benefited from the government's introduction of a zero rate of VAT to e-publications, which will make it clear e-publications are entitled to the same VAT treatment as their physical counterparts. The Chancellor has announced the Winter Economy Plan to protect jobs and support businesses over the coming months, once the existing Self-Employment Income Support Scheme and Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme come to end.

Musicians: Coronavirus

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of financial support available to freelance musicians during the covid-19 outbreak.

Caroline Dinenage: We recognise the crucial role that freelance individuals play in making our arts and creative industries world-leading. We recognise the crucial role that individuals play in making our arts and creative industries world-leading. As a result of these grants and loans, organisations will be more able to resume cultural activity, albeit in a socially distanced way, which will increase employment opportunities for freelancers. Each organisation that receives money will know what best they can do to support their workforce, including their freelance workforce. And the culture recovery fund will benefit freelancers, because it will invest in organisations and help them to reopen, and restart performances. It will help many put on cultural activity within this Financial Year which wouldn’t have been possible without this funding. The government has taken active steps to support the self-employed. Over three quarters of eligible people in the cultural sectors have benefitted from the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS). The Arts Council England has made £119 million available to individuals, with £23.1 million already distributed and £95.9 million currently available to apply for via open funds. This includes:£17.1 million distributed through the Emergency Response Fund for individuals;£6 million distributed by a series of Benevolent Funds focused on the self employed.£18 million available through their Developing Your Creative Practice fund;£77.9 million available through National Lottery Project Grants (available to both individuals and organisations). And the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund will benefit freelancers, because it will invest in organisations and help them to reopen, and restart performances. It will help many put on cultural activity within this Financial Year which wouldn’t have been possible without this funding. The 1,385 successful arts recipients that were announced on Monday 12 October set out in their applications that this support would enable them to deliver over £150million of cultural activity before the end of March 2021. As organisations prepare for this activity, they will likely increase their employment of cultural freelancers. We continue to engage with the sector to discuss the on-going challenges facing the industry.

Arts: Self-employment Income Support Scheme

Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what plans his Department has to support freelancers working in the creative sector who are ineligible for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.

Caroline Dinenage: Arts Council England (ACE) has already distributed £104m through its Emergency Response Package to ensure the immediate resilience of this vital sector. The package included £80.7 million of support for cultural organisations, and £23.1 million of financial support for individuals, including freelancers. More than 9000 organisations and individuals were successful in applying for this emergency funding. To complement Government Funding, ACE have made over £115m of funding available for individuals, including freelancers, to apply for. This includes:£17.1m through the Emergency Response Fund for individuals;£18m through their Developing Your Creative Practice fund;£75m through National Lottery Project Grants and£6m distributed by a series of Benevolent Funds focused on the self-employed.An unprecedented £1.57 billion support package for the cultural sector has benefitted the live events sector by providing support to venues and many other cultural organisations to stay open and continue operating. £333 million was awarded to 1973 arts organisations which had applied for grants less than £1 million from ACE. Each organisation that receives money will know what best they can do to support their workforce, including their freelance workforce.

Events Industry: Insurance

Ian Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of introducing a Government-backed insurance scheme for live events.

Caroline Dinenage: We are aware that there are calls for a Government backed insurance scheme for live events. I am grateful for the evidence provided and I know DCMS and HMT colleagues are closely monitoring the situation together with the sector. We are continuing to meet with live events stakeholders to provide support and guidance for venues to re-open and stage live events.

Women and Equalities

Sexual Harassment

Owen Thompson: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, when her Departments plans to publish the Government's response to the Government Equalities Office consultation on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace, which concluded on 2 October 2019.

Kemi Badenoch: The Government consultation on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace focussed on ensuring that laws to protect people from harassment at work are operating effectively.We are considering the responses we received and will publish our response to this consultation in due course.